Nephrotic syndrome due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis complicating scleroderma: a case report

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is an insidious autoimmune connective tissue disorder with multiorgan involvement. Renal involvement is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in scleroderma; however, nephrotic syndrome is reported rarely in association with SSc. We present a patient with SSc who developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) as a complication of scleroderma.

A 59 year old Caucasian female patient, with a known history of diffuse systemic sclerosis from 8 years, presented to our clinic with symptoms of anasarca and weight gain. Her physical examination was unremarkable except for periorbital and extremity edema. Her biochemistry assessment revealed decreased serum albumin levels and elevated serum creatinine levels. A renal biopsy was performed, which showed histopathological patterns of FSGS type of nephrotic syndrome. After administration of high doses of steroid and rituximab in the course of her treatment for 6 months, her symptoms and proteinuria were improved without the occurrence of scleroderma renal crises.

SSc is a complex multisystemic autoimmune disorder. SRC is the most prominent renal involvement in SSc, but other renal pathologies may also occur. Each patient should be precisely investigated since managing these renal conditions can differ significantly. Nephrotic syndrome is a rare complication of SSc, which could be managed with prompt diagnosis and steroid administration.